We all know that it takes a lot to be a successful CEO or managing director. Research has shown that it takes grit, determination, vision, experience, consistency and dynamism. Word has it that a 'feng shui-ed' office could also do the trick.
Feng shui — the ancient Chinese practice — has been finding its way into buildings, offices and even boardrooms of some of the world's leading organisations. It's been rumoured that corporate bigwigs such as Sir Richard Branson, Donald Trump and Anita Roddick have used the ancient science in their offices and organisations.
Here's why: Feng shui concepts are linked to factors such as location, position and natural elements within the environment, and how they can be used to bring harmony and balance. The belief is that when you have harmony and balance, health, love and prosperity follow naturally.
So how does this esoteric art work? "Feng shui is a science of creating balance in any given environment, including the workplace and home. Once positive energy is established (in a space) based on the advanced formulae of feng shui, people inhabiting this area also absorb the positive 'chi' (the inherent life energy that circulates in all things)," says Priya Khanna, a professional feng shui consultant who has numerous clients from the UAE's corporate world.
Can this help top executives who run companies? "Once the principles of feng shui come into play, people usually start feeling calmer, more energetic, tolerant and less frustrated. And once such a state of mind is achieved, it becomes easier for the 'top brass' to make far more sound decisions. It is this positive decision-making power, clarity of thought and intent that help propel their careers to the top," says Khanna.
What would a typical consultation for a high-ranking corporate or business head or a company involve? "My consultation for a corporate or multinational always starts with the 'Four Pillars of Destiny' analysis — based on an individual's time and date of birth."
Khanna's analysis also involves a visit to the location, reading the exact orientation degrees of the building and then calculating its natal chart. This calculation is then super imposed on the company's office space, which will then be instrumental in defining the seating position of various department heads of the company. Design and colour concepts of the office will depend on the date of birth of the person occupying the space.
Several elements are considered imperative when it comes to the placement and position of lements, especially in a CEO's room. Here's the good and the bad: "The correct placement of the CEO's table, the colour of his chair or the size and position of the visitor's chair have important roles to play. The location of the CEO's office within the unit and the interior design and decor make a major difference too. Water features such as the Arowana fish tank in the appropriate location of the office can also change the status of the company as well as the CEO." She adds that bonsai plants, cacti, swords or sharp objects used as artefacts should be avoided.
Khanna also uses elements such as plants, lights, crystals and water bodies to energise the positive areas of the office. Chimes or coins are also used to suppress the negative aspects of the office. She also uses various techniques to check the flow of energy in the office.
Does this really help? Peter Penhall, CEO, Gowealthy Holdings, says, "All of our five offices have been designed on feng shui principles. I think these concepts have helped create a planned structure, where all the 'elements' work well together. Our offices have everything from the three figures representing health, wealth and prosperity, rock salt and crystals to plants to attract good vibes and positive energy. Using such elements has also helped create a more harmonious ambience at the work place, which in turn, has assisted our employees and myself to have a more positive approach to our lives, both personally and professionally. However, I must add that a positive approach in life and business ethics — regardless of the use of feng shui to accentuate the benefits — will bring success."
Creating harmony in the workplace has manifold benefits. First it increases positivity, leading to increased sales. "With people feeling more balanced and calm, they can focus on doing their work better, which is great for both the company and the employees. Sales have been good too. Most of our employees have one or more feng shui elements in their workspace," he says.
Other companies and organisations in the UAE have also used feng shui and some of these, says Khanna, include Rak Ceramics, Al Hamra Palace Hotel, Jacky's Electronics, Al Dobowi Tyres Co, Union Properties, American Breeze Company LLC, Netlink International, Sparkle Jewellery, Zodiac Beauty and Spa and Paris Gallery.
These are just a few among a growing list of companies, the leaders of which believe that a harmonious environment is a key factor in the success of a company as well as its leader.
Working the feng shui way...
Working the feng shui way...